Pune-Goa Trip: Anuskura Ghat Route Beats Kolhapur Path
Pune-Goa Trip: Anuskura Ghat Route Beats Kolhapur Path
A recent Pune-Goa road trip revealed that the Anuskura Ghat route is smoother than the traditional Kolhapur path. Here’s a comparison of the two journeys, highlighting road conditions and travel experiences.
The trip started from Pune’s Balewadi at 4:20 am. The stretch until Satara was in good condition, including Khambatki Ghat. However, numerous diversions and sudden dips were encountered between Satara and Karad. After Karad, the drive was scenic, with early morning fog adding charm. The Anuskura Ghat section was a pleasant surprise, with minimal traffic and smooth roads, except for a small rough patch after the ghat. Upon reaching Oni, the NH66 stretch was smooth but had sharp turns, requiring careful driving. Speed guns were spotted after a construction diversion near the Goa-Maharashtra border. The drive ended at Arambol by 1 pm.
On the return journey via Kolhapur, starting from Nerul at 5:30 am, the Amboli Ghat section proved challenging. The road was narrow, with broken edges and several rough patches, despite low traffic. Google Maps redirected through Ajara and Uttur, leading to a surprisingly good stretch until Nipani. However, from Nipani to Kolhapur, diversions were frequent. The final leg from Kolhapur to Pune, started at 5:30 am and ended by 10 am, had fewer sudden dips but continued diversions.
In conclusion, the Anuskura Ghat route offers a more enjoyable and smoother drive than the Kolhapur alternative. Travelers are advised to carry pee-safe sprays, as restroom facilities along the way were found lacking in cleanliness.
